Duke of Edinburgh’s Pupils Rise to the Challenge on Easter Practice Expeditions

Over the Easter holidays, pupils taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award demonstrated determination, teamwork and resilience as they completed demanding practice expeditions in some of the UK’s most challenging landscapes.

Silver Practice Expedition to Dartmoor

At the start of the Easter holiday, twenty-eight Fifth Form pupils travelled to Dartmoor for their Silver Practice Expedition.

The five teams spent three days walking across the rugged and wild landscape of Dartmoor’s North Moor, taking in multiple tors and negotiating plenty of bogs!

Walking for approximately seven hours each day across open moorland in a variety of weather conditions helped the pupils to develop their navigation and teamwork skills.

They had the unique experience of wild camping, where pupils learned a range of skills that enabled them to enjoy the true sense of wilderness that Dartmoor offers.

All groups performed brilliantly, and the pupils can now look forward to their Silver Assessed Expedition in early July.

Gold Practice Expedition to Snowdonia

Twenty‑six members of the Lower Sixth dug deep in challenging weather to successfully complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Practice Expedition in Snowdonia.

The expedition began with a day of intensive training led by King’s staff in the Capel Curig area, before students set out on a three‑day, self‑reliant expedition in small teams.

Conditions were particularly challenging, with heavy rain, hail, sleet, strong winds and a biting wind chill providing a true test of character.

Students can be very proud of what they achieved, demonstrating resilience, adaptability and strong morale while covering long distances and camping overnight in demanding conditions.

They can now look ahead with confidence to completing their Qualifying Expedition in the Lake District in August – in, we hope, far calmer weather.